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3-Series (E36)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1992-1999. Autodoodad
Specific models include: BMW 316i, BMW 318i, BMW 318iS/ti, BMW 320, BMW 323, BMW 320, BMW 324, BMW 325, BMW 328.
so about 4 or 5 months ago my water pump went out along with the radiator and all the other little parts that go along with it. now the noise it was making before it went out sound like some kind of whinning sound at idle and all rpms just not as loud. Like a belt problem ya know that weird sound. Well now im hearing that sound again maybe only 5000 miles later. am i in trouble and going to have to fork out 1000 dollars or more again. or do you think this is just some belt? its towards the middle of the engine just to the right and downwards. i think that is the place of the water pump but im not sure. what do you guys think.
Do you have a 5 spd manual? I was just thinking that it might be the T/O bearing starting to go. That is usually a sign that the clutch disk,plate and T/o bearings might need replacement. Another possibility might be your alternator. Where is the temp gauge at?
if you mean what temp is it at its like right in the middle just like a couple milimeters to the right of the middle
I think thats normal. Mine was like that before and after i replaced the water pump. I hope you used a metal impeller type when the water pump was replaced. Id check the alternator .It has a bearing that might also fail. Even if you do a load check on the alt. sometimes that doesnt mean the alternator is good. Also, does the whinning volume increase when the steering wheel turns? If it does, try flushing the power steering fluid with fresh fluid. Just trying to eliminate the possibilities. hope this helps
Im 99% sure that its the belt tensioner. Same thing happened to me. Eventually the tensioner will fail and leave you stranded. I replaced both the tensioner and defelection pulley. Engine is so much quieter too... good luck
Im 99% sure that its the belt tensioner. Same thing happened to me. Eventually the tensioner will fail and leave you stranded. I replaced both the tensioner and defelection pulley. Engine is so much quieter too... good luck
Thats another possibility. Pretty good post for a first timer. Welcome to the Forum
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